Competitive pricing has been announced for the Cannon Alpha petrol-electric.

THE first full hybrid all-wheel-drive dual-cab ute to market will cost $6000 less than the most popular edition of the country’s top-selling tray deck.

At $68,990, the petrol-electric version of the Cannon Alpha from GWM - shorthand for Great Wall Motors - is the most expensive of three editions incoming.

The other two deliver with orthodox 2.4-litre turbodiesel, for $54,990 in entry Lux and $59,990 Ultra, the same trim also afforded the hybrid.

GWM has still not offered absolute clarity on local release timing, but in comment today said it will be “soon” - which might suggest previous indication about supply being set to start in June might still be accurate.

The Ford Ranger, which has consistently dominated the ute sector for the past decade and has often been so popular as to the annual best-seller ranking, achieves greatest volume in Wildtrak spec, for $76,990 with 154kW/500Nm 2.0-litre biturbo. 

The cheapest Ranger also in the double cab four-wheel-drive configuration, that pulls most Ford buyers, is the XL, for $56,490 at full retail with the same engine. All Rangers, save the Raptor V6, are diesel.

Ranger is expected to update to petrol-electric in early 2025. GWM’s product also beats into play the Toyota Hilux hybrid, which in any case is much less advanced on the technology side, being restricted to a 48 volt system.

The Chinese make’s hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined output of 255kW/648Nm.

That makes it more potent than the 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6-powered Ranger, which makes 184kW/600Nm, and comes close to matching the Raptor’s 292kW/583Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6. 

The GWM diesel makes 135kW and 480Nm.

GWM’s powertrain is already employed in the GWM Tank 300 and 500 series vehicles.  Cited economy figures suggest the ute application brings better economy, though the GWM-cited 8.9 and 9.8 litres for the diesel and hybrid respectively are shown up by the Ford diesels.

The GWM’s chops in all round utility and off-roading have yet to be proven in NZ conditions, but it will come hoping to sell on substance and size.

It will stand out as a extra-large choice in the sector, being bigger all round than the Kiwi-favoured one-tonners though also smaller than the likes of the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado.

At 5445mm long, 1991mm wide and 1924mm tall it is longer, higher and wider than Ranger and Toyota Hilux, and also has a longer wheelbase (3350mm versus 3220mm for Ranger). 

It is also 35mm longer overall, 57mm wider, 38mm taller, and 120mm longer in wheelbase than a regular GWM Ute.

GWM says the Cannon Alpha embodies premium design, excellent on- and off-road performance, smart technology, strength and capability.

Outside of Blue Oval comparison, the diesel’s outputs are 5kW shy and 30Nm above that from the 3.0-litre Isuzu D-Max (and soon-to-go Mazda BT-50). It also compares well to the 150kW/470Nm 2.4-litre Mitsubishi Triton and 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre Toyota HiLux. 

Both GWM powerplants are mated to a GWM-developed nine-speed automatic transmission. There is also a three-mode all-terrain drive mode selector that can lock the front and rear differentials, as well as make use of the Borg Warner-sourced 4x4 transfer case.

Maximum braked towing capacity for both powertrains is 3500kg.

Adding to the Cannon Alpha’s versatility is an optional smart 60/40 split rear tailgate. This opens in two different ways. A short press on the button provides access to the rear tub via the 60/40 opening. A longer press releases the full tailgate which is supported by a hydraulic damper. 

Inside, there is a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10-speaker sound system, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charger, Nappa leather upholstery and heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats.

In provided comment, GMW today said “As the first ute to be available as a full hybrid in New Zealand and with 255kW and 648Nm, the Cannon Alpha is sure to attract the attention of more progressive customers and those looking for a high-performance ute.”